Which travel adapter will I need to use a curling iron in French Polynesia?

French Polynesian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in French Polynesia:

  • If your curling iron can run using 110 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for French Polynesia however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 110 volt French Polynesian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in French Polynesia, so check that the voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for French Polynesia otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 110 volts used in French Polynesia you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in French Polynesia please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in French Polynesia

Will my curling iron work in French Polynesia?

That depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 110 volts used in French Polynesia. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 110 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use your curling iron in French Polynesia. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our guide on will a power converter work with your domestic curling iron in French Polynesia for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

French Polynesia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a French Polynesian power outlet?

The frequency found in a French Polynesian power outlet is 60 Hz. [10]

What voltage is used in French Polynesia?

The common residential voltage used in French Polynesia is 110 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in French Polynesia?

Type A, B and E power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in French Polynesia?

There are three types of power outlets used in French Polynesia, these are type E, A and B with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type A - The power outlet, also called a type A power outlet, is identified by 2 adjacent slots where the twin plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 thin slots next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket blades slide into with a semicircular shaped hole below for the ground pin.
  • Plug Type E - This recessed circular plug outlet (called a CEE 7/7 socket) can be identified by two 4.8mm holes 19mm apart from each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go and one metal grounding pin protruding from the top in a triangle configuration.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 110 volt curling iron in French Polynesia is a Type E power adapter; read the simple instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in French Polynesia with a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your curling iron. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature a switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 110 volts used in French Polynesia then you should be able to use your curling iron with a French Polynesian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage curling iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 110 volts used in a French Polynesian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in French Polynesia.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in French Polynesia or any other country.

Travelling to French Polynesia with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your carry on hand luggage to French Polynesia?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to French Polynesia will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safer to bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to French Polynesia?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 110 volt power outlets used with a French Polynesian power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for French Polynesia.

It is also worth concidering that packing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The cost involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in French Polynesia could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for French Polynesia

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter?

An expensive and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 110 volts from a French Polynesian power outlet to work with a non-110 volt curling iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in French Polynesia. [9] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter in French Polynesia to use a curling iron?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 110 volt power outlet used in French Polynesia. Travellers who want to bring along their existing curling iron can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [9] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in French Polynesia using a type B power adapter

How to power a curling iron in French Polynesia by using a three prong Type B travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 110 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 110 volts for use in French Polynesia; consult the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in French Polynesia you will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in French Polynesia by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type B plug adapter in the French Polynesian power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 slots where the twin plug outlet blades go with a semicircular hole below for the slightly longer ground pin.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the French Polynesian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your curling iron to use in French Polynesia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in French Polynesia using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in French Polynesia using a type E power adapter

Instructions showing how to power your curling iron in French Polynesia with a two pinned Type E power charger.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 110 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 110 volts to use in French Polynesia; refer to the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in French Polynesia you'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in French Polynesia by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type E plug adapter in the French Polynesian power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by two round adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go and a long metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangular pattern.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the French Polynesian power outlet. Your curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in French Polynesia using a type E power adapter

How to use a curling iron in French Polynesia using a type A power adapter

How to use your curling iron in French Polynesia by using a Type A power adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some curling irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to the 110 volt setting for use in French Polynesia; please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. This guide assumes that you're not already using a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your curling iron will work with a 110 volt power supply). So, if the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in French Polynesia you'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [8]. The plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet in French Polynesia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type A plug adapter in the French Polynesian power outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes called a Type A power outlet [7], is identified by 2 slots parallel to each other where the short live and neutral plug outlet blades go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the French Polynesian power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in French Polynesia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in French Polynesia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - French Polynesia Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  9. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.